i88 BIRDS 



harmless shots at the nests and eggs of some of our 

 commoner British breeding birds, and he would do 

 well to make a start with the substantially built 

 homestead of the Blackbird. The nest of this 

 famous British song-bird is not so deep as that of 

 its near relative, the Song Thrush, and, although 

 it is necessary to tilt the structure forward some- 

 what, so as to obtain a better sight of the freckled 

 eggs, one does not have to bring the nest so much 

 forward as in the case of the speckled Thrush. 

 The several photographs that illustrate this book 

 are good examples of an amateur bird-nester's 

 work, and many happy experiences and humorous 

 situations are wrapt up within them. 



When examined through a stereoscopic glass a 

 bird's nest presents a really wonderful effect, the 

 nest and eggs standing out as bold as if they 

 were in their natural surroundings. The one great 

 enemy of the would-be successful photographer of 

 birds' nests is the wind. The slightest quiver or 

 motion of the tree, grass, or bush in which the nest 

 is secreted is sufficient to mar the clearness and 

 detail of the whole picture, and I could tell of many 

 an anxious wait for the wind to cease when we 

 have been ready to fire off a shot. It is wonderful 

 to notice the great difference it makes when the 

 wind is blowing and when it is still, and compari- 

 sons between such examples are interesting and 

 enable the young Nature stalker to gain experience 



